University of Michigan says a fond farewell to Mary Sue Coleman

7:16 PM, March 14, 2014

University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman will retire at the end of the academic year, ending her more than a decade at the head of one of the world's most prestigious public universities. / 2011 photo by Jarrad Henderson/Detroit Free Press

Detroit Free Press Education Writer

In public comments and quiet conversations as they gathered for a farewell reception Friday for Mary Sue Coleman, members of the University of Michigan community made one thing clear: Incoming President Mark Schlissel has big shoes to fill.

Medical student Mohammad Dar, who was the student body president while an undergrad at U-M, was among those to praise the outgoing president.

“She possesses a gracious humility,” he told the crowd of several hundred who gathered Friday afternoon in a large ballroom. “No matter what issue we discussed, she wanted to know what students had to say.

“Mary Sue has fought for what U-M has been and always will be. Your legacy here, President Coleman, is etched into what Michigan is.”

Coleman will retire at the end of the academic year, ending her more than a decade at the head of one of the world’s most prestigious public universities. Schlissel, the current provost at Brown University, will step in.

Andrea Fischer Newman, the long-serving regent and current chair of U-M’s board, also praised Coleman.

“Everybody loves our president,” she said. “Mary Sue, you have been an extraordinary president for an extraordinary university.”

Newman praised Coleman’s management through tough times that included large declines in state funding for public universities.

“When we hired you, we talked about what we were going to go through,” Newman recounted. “You said, ‘I can do it.’ ”

Coleman stood for most of the reception on one side, shaking hands and taking pictures with a long line of well-wishers, including a large number of students.

A half-hour program was hosted by actor Jeff Daniels.

“My name is Jeff Daniels, and I didn’t go to Michigan,” he said as he started the program. “Well, on Saturday nights I went to Michigan and learned a hell of a lot.”

Daniels grew up just outside of Ann Arbor, where he still lives. As part of his introduction, he told a lengthy joke about how he first met Coleman on the set of his film “Dumb and Dumber” that had the audience, and Coleman, laughing loudly.

After a tribute video and several speeches, Coleman brought her husband, Ken, with her on stage, where she thanked him for his support during her tenure. She also named the staff in her office and grew emotional as she thanked them for their help.

As for Schlissel and his ability to step into her shoes? Coleman said she’s confident he will do a great job as the 14th president of the university.

“Rest assured,” Coleman said, “Ken and I will be cheering from the sidelines.”